Brought the Model 15 no dash home. *Updated with pics

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MattO

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I stopped in the LGS today to check on a rifle they had gotten in used. And of course they let me know what handguns they got in as well. It's rare that they get anything used in S&W although they have had a .500 there for quite some time. But I notice this little jewel. I didn't have a whole lot of time to look it over as I was headed to a Conservation class. I'm headed back tomorrow to look it over better. What information do I need to take with me as far as value and to figure out it's age? Looking at the grips they aren't original right? Thanks for the help.

Untitled by MattOphotog, on Flickr

Matt
 
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No grips aren't original. It has a pinned barrel, <82.

Should be a great shooter.

I'd offer less, but I'd pay whats on the tag.

You can get the correct grips on ebay.
 
Thank you. So if I went in and checked it out and it all seemed ok. I wouldn't be hurt at $400? I'm not expecting a box or paperwork. And I don't own any safe queens. I just enjoy a good shooting gun. I think this one would fit the bill


Matt
 
If it checks out mechanically, and the finish is okay, you wouldn't be hurt, but less is always better. Start at $350, and see how it goes. Replacing those grips with wooden stocks will turn it into a real beauty. Good luck.
 
The price on the tag is fair. Not a steal, but you won't be getting ripped off. The pinned barrel indicates that it is pre 1982. Getting the dash number, or better yet the S/N will narrow it down even more.
Stocks should be the Magnas. With or without the diamond, depending on exactly when it was made.
 
I'd use the "not the original stock" argument when I tried to get it for $375.00 or so, but I wouldn't lose it over $50.00 if I wanted it.

The Model 15 is my favorite Smith & Wesson. I've got two of them now and they are a joy to shoot.

You can get a set of Magna's off Ebay for not a lot, but those Pach's are good shooting grips.
 
Thanks guys, I will take some photos tonight and let you know what I decide. Josh, that has been there a few weeks. I will take some photos of it for you as well.
 
A 15 is a very fine gun.(I have a 2’’) Most of the people that buy 19s shoot 38 cal ammo most of the time anyway, so they pay for the privilege.

Getting the 15 at a better price is a good deal.. That price looks decent if the gun checks out good when basic tests are done (and it probably will) Of course if you can get it for a few bucks cheaper or a holster or box of ammo thrown in go for it!:D
 
I already have a .357 and plenty of .38 ammo. So that won't be an issue. I've just not owned one of these and didn't know about age, or things to look for, as far as common issues with them to be aware of.
 
If you can, take the grips off and check for rust. Rubber grips can hold moisture in humid climates which can lead to rust even on an otherwise nice gun.
 
m15-3

About 3 months ago a LGS had one I looked at twice. Holster wear around barrel but other wise OK. Police trade, asking price was $500, I bought for $400.
 
So I went back today, asked about the original grips. They don't have them. I knew that would be the answer but I asked anyway. I went over the gun real good. It shows a little wear, but wow was it nice. I am buying it, I talked them down a bit, but not a whole lot. Going back in a day or two with some cash to bring it home.

Can someone help with a Date of birth? Serial number K3999XX


Matt
 
MattO said:
. . . Can someone help with a Date of birth? Serial number K3999XX
Click to expand...

I would estimate late summer 1960.

You done good . . . enjoy it,

Russ

Edit to add: a 1960 should be Model-marked 15 and have a 4-screw frame (screw in front of trigger guard) making this an even better deal.
 
You're going to love it. The sweetest revolver I've ever owned was a 15-3 that now lives with my son and his three boys, all of whom enjoy it a lot.
 
As an added bonus, it looks like it might have a wide target hammer.

And was the trigger target (wide, serrated) as well?

Sometimes only the hammer is target which makes it a bit easier to go single action.
 
That looks like a standard width trigger and the hammer looks like a "semi-target", which has a smaller, shorter and narrower (tang?), than the full on target style. If that is a 4 screw and you paid less than asked I think you did very well indeed.
 
I will be sure and post some photos of it after I bring it home. I'm pretty excited to see it be such an older gun. The trigger is butter smooth. I'm excited to run some rounds through a real classic.
 
Good job! If I had to pay the $425 asking, I would. Ebay is a good source of S&W wood. Have bought a number of sets there. Most of my revolvers wear target grips (SMITH, or Herrett) Just feel good to me. Do not have a 15, but a 67, no dash. (stainless 15) Good shooting guns. Post pics when you get her home and cleaned up. Bob
 

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I somehow missed this post yesterday but zooming in on the OP pic you can make out the large Ampersands and trigger guard screw and no visible groove cut behind ejector knurling all pointing to it being a 15 no dash, The updated post with serial confirms its in the model 15 (no dash) range.

Condition is good for a shooter but the freckling and small rust spots prevent it being a collector grade gun so under $400 OTD is a good deal IMO.

A nice set of diamond targets or Magnas will enhance its appearance but also add another $100 to $150 to your total cost,
If thats your intention perhaps at $550 you begin to enter the range for higher condition 15's with original serial numbered grips.
 
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